The Speakers
FEATURED ANIMAL EXPERTS
01
prof. Heiner Bollwein
University of Zurich
World-renowned authority in the field of animal reproduction. Since 2003, Prof. Bollwein has been professor of gynaecology, obstetrics and andrology of cattle at the cattle clinic of the Veterinary University Foundation in Hanover, and since early 2005 director of the clinic of the same name. In September 2007, he obtained the degree of diplomat of the European College of Bovine Health Management. Director of the Animal Reproduction Clinic at the University of Zurich, head of the Department of Assisted Reproduction at the University Veterinary Hospital. The aim of the professor's research is to extend the life of dairy cows and to optimize the semen quality of valuable breeding animals. In addition, the aim of Prof. Bollwein's research projects is to search for genetic and breeding causes of the development of cattle diseases and to develop suitable preventive and therapeutic measures.
prof. Adolfo Paz Silva
University of Santiago de Compostela, EBVS® European Veterinary Parasitologist (DipEVPC)
02
The aim of Prof. Adolfo Paz's research activity was to solve some of the challenges that have arisen in the fight against parasitic diseases. In the first phase, the diagnosis of fascioliasis in ruminants was improved, using immunoenzymatic techniques (ELISA) to detect antibodies against Fasciola hepatica, as well as circulating antigens. This study was later extended to the diagnosis of paramphistomosis, dicrocoeliosis and nematodes (strongylosis, toxocariasis). The purification of native antigens by low-pressure liquid chromatography (FPLC) revealed their complex composition, as well as the existence of components responsible for cross-immunity with other helminths. During a 9-month stay in Puerto Rico under the direction of Dr. G.V. Hillyer, a recombinant Fasciola envelope protein useful for early diagnosis was expressed. This activity was made possible by 5 projects (2 national, 3 regional) and provided 5 doctoral theses and the publication of 12 articles.
prof. Gabriel Kováč
03
University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice
Prof. Gabriel Kováč, a distinguished veterinarian and academic, has made significant contributions to the field of internal diseases of animals. With over 50 years of active service, Prof. Kováč has held numerous leadership roles, including Head of the Clinical Department for Ruminants. His extensive research in metabolic disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and disease prevention in livestock has earned him national and international recognition. He has authored more than 400 scientific papers and co-authored over 20 scientific monographs. Prof. Kováč has received multiple awards for his contributions to veterinary science, including honors from the Slovak Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, he develops veterinary research, serves as a mentor to young scientists and contributes to improving animal health and welfare.
dr. Pejman Ghaffari
04
Free University of Brussels
Pejman Ghaffari is a researcher at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), specializing in the development of novel biomaterials for tissue engineering using animal byproducts. His multidisciplinary work integrates biomaterials, biotechnology, cell biology, and regenerative medicine, with collaborations both at ULB and internationally. Pejman has held visiting scientist positions at McGill University and São Paulo University, managing complex projects. His research contributes to innovative approaches in biomaterials, focusing on drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine.
dr. Alice Perrucci
05
University of Torino
Alice Perrucci is a veterinarian and a young researcher specializing in pig diseases. In recent years she has worked on topics dedicated to the disinfection of the environment of pig farms, also focusing on hygiene procedures in the transport of farm animals. She is currently a young researcher supporting Prof. Annalisa Scollo's team at the Department of Veterinary Sciences of the University of Turin, where she continues to work on disinfection problems in the pig production sector.